Carys Lake Dam

JACKSON CREEK· Richland, South Carolina· Built 1938· 21 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Carys Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 50.2% in SC)
Max Storage960 acre-ft
Normal Storage400 acre-ft
Surface Area68 acres
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDSC00050

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 20, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

CARY LAKE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOC

Private

Nearby Dams

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North Lake Dam

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Spring Lake Dam

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Rocky Ford Lake Dam

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Pine Tree Lake Dam

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Windsor Lake Dam

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Springwood Lake Dam

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Forest Lake Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carys Lake Dam?

Carys Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Carys Lake Dam?

Carys Lake Dam is owned by CARY LAKE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carys Lake Dam built?

Carys Lake Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Carys Lake Dam?

Carys Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Carys Lake Dam?

Carys Lake Dam has a dam height of 21 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Carys Lake Dam last inspected?

Carys Lake Dam was last inspected on April 20, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.